On March 14, 2024, the Tibet Policy Institute convened a panel discussion titled “China’s Dam in Dege: Assessing Social, Cultural, and Ecological Impacts on Tibetans and Beyond.” The event coincided with the International Day of Action for Rivers and shed light on the forced relocation of Tibetan communities and monasteries in Dege due to the construction of a massive dam on the Drichu River. The panel discussion included four Tibetan experts Dr.Lobsang Yangtso, Senior Environmental Researcher from International Tibet Network spoke on how the dam construction in Dege undermines China’s of environmental laws. Ngawang Lungtok, researcher from Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy raised plight of the local community in Dege who were forced to relocate from their ancestor homes, Dechen Palmo, research fellow of Environment Desk of Tibet Policy Institute detailed on the background of the Chinese dam in Tibet, and the panel was chaired by Dr. Tenzin Lhadon, research fellow from Tibet Policy Institute.
Tempa Gyaltsen Zamlha, the Deputy Director of Tibet Policy Institute highlighted the aim of the panel discussion and the need for coinciding with Interanal Day of Action for rivers. His statement emphasized on need for such discussion to deepen understanding of the ongoing dam project’s ramifications for the region and beyond. It sought to raise awareness of the adverse social, cultural, and ecological effects of the Kamtok dam construction on a global scale, urging governments and communities worldwide to take notice. Central to the discussion was the goal of educating and sensitizing Chinese leadership and officials about the significant adverse impacts the Dege dam construction would impose on local communities and millions beyond.
The event drew participation from numerous Tibetan media outlets, amplifying its message to both domestic and international audiences. A 10-Point Call issued during the discussion provided specific recommendations for Tibetans, Chinese citizens, and the international community. This expert panel discussion marked a significant milestone as the first of its kind to address the implications of the Dege dam construction, potentially influencing the Chinese government’s decision-making process and advocating for greater benefits for affected communities. With approximately 50 attendees representing various non-governmental organizations, media outlets, researchers, and government departments, the discussion highlighted the lack of expert discourse on the Dege Dam and displacement issues in China, emphasizing the importance of conducting proper social and ecological impact assessments for major projects in Tibet.
Moreover, the discussion provided Tibetan experts and researchers with valuable insights into Dege and the dam construction while offering encouragement and support to Tibetan communities, particularly those in Dege, facing the challenges of displacement and environmental disruption.
